Are Sonic Toothbrushes Actually Better? Choosing something as simple as a toothbrush should be a fairly straightforward process, right? But with advances in technology over the past 30 years to include increasingly elaborate electric toothbrushes, the decision is more involved than ever. So how do you know which one is right for you? Are all sonic toothbrushes hands-down better than manual toothbrushes? Well, that depends. It depends on your brushing and flossing habits, your budget, and your priorities.
Pros for using Sonic Toothbrushes When used properly, a sonic toothbrush can give you improved dental hygiene and reduced plaque. This applies when comparing brushing alone (as opposed to brushing and flossing) with a manual toothbrush to brushing alone with a sonic toothbrush. Some dentists argue that when you brush and floss your teeth, the difference between a manual and electric toothbrush is negligible. If you are likely to be inconsistent or sloppy with your flossing habits though, you would benefit from using a sonic toothbrush over a manual toothbrush. Another advantage of sonic toothbrushes is that many have a built-in timer so you can make sure to spend enough time on each section of your mouth. If you are prone to rush through tooth brushing and not spend a full two minutes, this feature may make a sonic toothbrush a better choice for you and improve your dental hygiene. Some of the more advanced sonic toothbrushes have special features like UV sterilization, which many users find appealing. Others prefer their sonic toothbrushes because they offer multiple brushing modes for cleaning teeth, cleaning gums, cleaning sensitive teeth, massage, etc. This comes down to priorities. While these options don’t necessarily improve dental hygiene, for some people they make sonic toothbrushes worth the extra money. Some sonic toothbrush users assert that it actually whitens their teeth, either by itself or in conjunction with in-office whitening treatments from dentists like those in Sandy, UT. Not all users report this effect though, so if you are concerned with the color of your teeth it is best to consult with your dentist and find out which options are best for you.
Cons for using a Sonic Toothbrush The most notable difference between sonic and manual toothbrushes is the cost. While a high-quality manual toothbrush is less than $5, sonic toothbrushes can cost $150 or more. Many people find them worth the extra money, but that is up to you and your budget. Unlike a manual toothbrush, a sonic toothbrush can break if it is dropped or mishandled. It also has batteries that need to be charged and sometimes replaced, a hassle and an expense you won’t encounter when using a manual toothbrush.
If you travel, you may be bothered by the fact that a sonic toothbrush is far more bulky than a manual toothbrush. If this and the cost are non-issues for you, then you are likely to be better off with a sonic toothbrush. If you are still not sure which toothbrush is right for you, your dentist is a valuable source of feedback that is customized for your teeth and dental hygiene habits.